Predicting the New England Patriots' Final 53-Man Roster

Predicting the New England Patriots' Final 53-Man Roster

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

With the first wave of roster cuts due to come down Tuesday morning, it’s crunch time in New England. Tommy Kelly, Will Smith, and James Anderson were let go Monday afternoon, kicking the festivities off a little early. Let’s take a look at what the Patriots’ final 53-man roster will be when cuts are over later this month.

Quarterbacks (2)

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Quarterbacks (2)

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo

Even if Ryan Mallett isn’t traded to the St. Louis Rams or some other quarterback-needy team, Garoppolo will be the guy that the Patriots stick with if they decide to keep only keep two quarterbacks. In addition to his upside, Garoppolo has simply looked like the competent passer this preseason.

Running Backs (5)

Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs (5)

Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, James White, Roy Finch, James Develin

The rumors that the Patriots would cut Ridley in favor of Brandon Bolden are ridiculous. Ridley is by far the team’s best ball carrier, even with his fumbling issues. Bolden won’t be able to make the team over diminutive but dangerous undrafted rookie Finch, as the 5-foot-6’ electric outlet will be useful in kick returns. Develin as locked in as the backfield’s snowplow.

Wide Receivers (6)

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Wide Receivers (6)

The only reason Boyce squeaks onto the roster is because of Brian Tyms’ four-game suspension in September. Thompkins makes the team because of his burgeoning chemistry with Tom Brady, LaFell is on the roster because his heavy August workload indicates the Pats will use him often this season, and Slater is the resident special teamer.

Tight Ends (3)

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Tight Ends (3)

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui, Steve Maneri

There’s not much to write home about regarding Maneri’s receiving ability, but the former offensive tackle could be an asset as a blocker. It is somewhat surprising that the Patriots didn’t get an insurance plan in the event Gronkowski gets hurt, but evidently Bill Belichick has confidence in Hoomanawanui.

Offensive Line (9)

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Offensive Lineman (9)

Fleming, who doubled majored in aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford, stands to be a promising depth player at tackle. Although limited this preseason, Stork has been back at practice and is vying for the starting center role.

Defensive Lineman (9)

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Defensive Lineman (9)

After the releases of Tommy Kelly and Will Smith, the Patriots’ plan on the defensive line is starting to become clearer. Worthy will be an excellent complement to Ninkovich and Wilfork if Jones is an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Easley leads a pair of 2013 returners in backup duty.

Linebackers (6)

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Linebackers (6)

It’s not totally clear whether the Patriots will stick with the 4-3 defense from last year or revert back to their 3-4 scheme of the glory days. Regardless, these six players will make up the linebacking corps. Keep an eye on Fleming, who has impressed this month after missing the past few seasons due to multiple ACL injuries on the same knee.

Defensive Backs (10)

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Defensive Backs (10)

Butler has launched himself from undrafted anonymity to a sure-fire roster spot in the Patriots’ secondary. Note that Brandon Browner will return to the roster after a four-game suspension in September, unseating either Wilson or Ebner, depending on who is playing worse.

Special Teams (3)

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Special Teams (3)

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

K: Stephen Gostkowski
P: Ryan Allen
LS: Danny Aiken

No surprises here. All three of these guys are in the top tiers of their respective guilds.